Animo Repository - De La Salle University Research
Not a member yet
45334 research outputs found
Sort by
SA TINGIN MO: The Effectiveness of Disaster Risk Reduction Visual Aids across Academic Institutions
Visual aids are vital components of disaster risk reduction as these actively disseminate important information on preparedness and responses in disasters. However, given that no established standard for effective visual aids is present in the Philippines, information is at risk of being misinterpreted or misunderstood. The research aims to determine the effectiveness of visual aids in disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the setting of academic institutions in the Philippines. Specifically, it finds interactive-based and interactional-based elements across different institutions, and evaluates them according to international standards. A total of nineteen (19) publicly-sourced posters—published by five (5) select academic institutions—were used to determine effectiveness through a framework derived from Kress and van Leeuwen’s (1998; 2001) semiotic work. The framework separates visual components of a poster into two categories with quantifiable subtypes, namely interactive-based and interactional-based elements. Only 2 of the 5 institutes have high amounts of these elements, meaning that their posters are highly effective and recommended as visual aids for DRR. These results highlight the necessity for evidence-based standards and call for further observational research to clarify and strengthen the design and implementation of effective DRR visual aids
A Critical Discourse Analysis of Sexual Harassment Incident Posts and Public Perception
Motorcycle ride-hailing gained popularity among commuters due to its practicality, affordability, and convenience. Despite the rise of this service and growing concerns over passenger safety, limited research has focused on the passenger\u27s safety, particularly incidents of sexual harassment. This study employs Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine seven public narratives and discourse on Facebook from the years 2022-2025 surrounding reported cases of harassment within the motorcycle ride-hailing context. It analyzes both the original posts recounting harassment experiences and the comment sections that follow, with the aim of identifying recurring patterns of abuse, the framing strategies employed by victims and their supporters, and the public’s reactions to these disclosures. Among the seven analyzed cases, five involved verbal harassment, one involved physical harassment, and one pertained to inappropriate messages via text, although one case included both verbal and physical abuse. The victim narratives varied in tone, ranging from urgent warnings and calls for awareness to sarcastic or darkly humorous storytelling, each shaping the nature of audience engagement in different ways. Public responses in the comment sections revealed a polarized discourse: some expressed support for the victims and demanded accountability, while others downplayed or even ridiculed the incidents, normalizing the behavior or casting doubt on the victims’ credibility. These findings highlight the complex social dynamics surrounding online disclosures of sexual harassment and emphasize the urgent need for stricter enforcement of Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) regulations, improved reporting and accountability mechanisms, and comprehensive public education campaigns to combat harassment in the motorcycle ride-hailing industry
“If You Know, You Know”: Exploring the Girl Code in Female Adolescent Friendships
Abstract: The girl code, a set of implicit social rules, governs the dynamics of close female friendships, guiding how adolescent girls interact, provide support, and navigate emotional challenges within their friendships. Despite its significant impact on female adolescent relationships, limited research has examined the girl code, especially within the Philippine context. Through five focus group discussions (FGDs) with close-knit female friendship groups of senior high school students aged 17 to 18, the study aimed to uncover the constituents of the unspoken rules, underlying core values, development process, enforcement mechanisms, and consequences of conformity within close adolescent Filipino female friendships. A thematic analysis approach was utilized in this phenomenological research study. The findings reveal that the rules of the girl code require members to adhere to norms of loyalty, respect, trust, and support. The underlying core values behind the rules reflect themes of relational sensitivity and moral responsibility. They are developed through tacit understanding and shared experiences. Enforcement is applied through inclusion and social sensitivity, communication, and handling tensions. The consequences of conformity and violation exhibit strengthened social bonds, psychosocial outcomes, and emotional fallout. Overall, the study shows that the girl code provides a crucial moral framework that helps adolescent girl groups navigate complex social dynamics and challenges
Sa Tibo(k) ng Kamera: Pagmamapa sa Dating ng mga Lesbiyanang Tauhan sa Pelikulang Pilipino (1982–2023)
Layon ng pananaliksik na makapag-ambag sa napakalimitadong diskurso sa lesbiyana sa Pelikulang Pilipino na pawang nakatuon sa pagkalesbiyan at identidad. Tinumbok ng pag-aaral ang dating ng anim na lesbiyanang tauhan gamit ang modelo ni Tiongson (2022), na sumandig sa Dating ni Lumbera (2000), upang sumentro sa pagka-Pilipino ng likhang-sining. Natuklasan ang mga temang nakaaapekto sa dating ng mga lesbiyanang tauhan: (1) Pagpapahalaga sa Propesyon, (2) Pagtutulad sa Lalaki at mga Istiryotipo, (3) Pagkakaila sa Sekswalidad, (4) Pagbubunsod ng Pandalawang-Kasariang Pamantayan ng Lipunan, at (5) Pagturing na Makasalanan. Binubuo ito ng mga elemento ng pananamit, kilos, lengguwahe, at espasyo. Batay sa espasyo, maaring pribado ang kilos o hayag ang di-tradisyunal nilang pagkatao kung ligtas ito gaya ng bar at silid-tulugan. Pananda naman ng lokal na estetika ang paggamit ng mga terminong lokal na “t-bird” at “tibo” at ang kanluraning “lesbian.” Nabatid na ang kanilang dating ay bunga ng impluwensiya ng lipunan at kalimitang may tensyon sa dualidad: para sa sarili (panloob) at para sa lipunan (panlabas). Natuklasang umunlad ang lesbiyanang representasyon sa midya at ang kontekstong panlipunan ng kanilang dating. Palasak ang diskriminasyon, impluwensiyang panrelihiyon, at mga istiryotipo sa 1980s, may kaunti nang pagtanggap ngunit kalimitang ginagawang katatawanan at patuloy ang pagsunod sa pandalawang-kasariang pamantayan sa 2000s, mas bukas ang representasyon subalit may mga limitasyon pa rin sa 2010s, at higit na komportable ang representasyon at suporta maging may relihiyosong oposisyon sa 2020s. Ginuguhit ng pag-aaral ang daan tungo sa mas makabagong paglalarawan at pagpaparating ng mga lesbiyanang tauhan sa pelikula
“Blessings or Burdens”: Perceived Values and Disvalues of Children Among Married Filipino Millennials
Children are perceived to carry meanings that either enrich or burden the lives of their parents. However, limited studies have examined the perceived values and disvalues of children in the contemporary Filipino context. To address this gap, a survey was conducted among 100 married Filipino millennials recruited through various social media platforms. The study investigated differences in child-related values and disvalues based on marital role (husbands or wives), parental status (with or without children), and parenting efficacy (moderate or high). Results revealed no significant differences between husbands and wives across six value domains, suggesting increasingly egalitarian attitudes toward parenting roles. However, traditional gendered perceptions persisted where sons were valued more for physical security and kin benefits, while daughters were associated with emotional support and companionship. Significant differences emerged between those with and without children in happiness, love, and companionship, identity and fulfillment, and benefits to the family unit, with parents assigning greater importance to these values. While no significant differences in disvalues were observed across marital role and parental status, a significant difference was found in the combined disvalues across levels of parenting efficacy. However, follow-up pairwise comparisons showed no significant difference in any of the individual disvalues. Overall, the findings reflect a collective awareness among married Filipino millennials of both the rewards and demands of raising children. However, even as an increasingly more egalitarian view of parenting and parental roles is evident, traditional gendered views of sons and daughters still persist
Hanggang Kaibigan Lang, Hindi Kailanman Kasintahan: A Descriptive Phenomenological Approach on the Unrequited Feelings Within Cross-Sex Friendships Leading to Friendzone
This study examines the enduring emotional and relational outcomes of being friend-zoned by a cross-sex best friend, a phenomenon characterized by unreciprocated romantic feelings. A descriptive phenomenological approach was employed to investigate the subjective experiences of individuals who have navigated this complex emotional landscape. Due to the limited research on the long-term effects of friend-zoning, particularly on well-being and social relationships, the study sought to provide clarity on these impacts. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, allowing for a detailed exploration of the lived experiences of individuals who have been friend-zoned in cross-sex friendships. Findings indicate that the experience significantly influences self-concept, emotional openness, and approaches to future relationships. Participants described enduring emotional pain, shifts in self-esteem, and the development of varied coping strategies. Some individuals became more hesitant in expressing romantic interest, while others adopted a more selective approach to relationship formation. Furthermore, perceptions of cross-sex friendships were altered, with many recognizing both the value and emotional risks inherent in such relationships. These experiences ultimately reshaped relational boundaries and influenced future interactions in both platonic and romantic contexts. The study underscores the importance of understanding the long-term psychological and social implications of friend-zoning, contributing to a deeper understanding of relational dynamics and emotional resilience
In vitro & in vivo: Antioxidant activity and toxicity assessment of tinospora crispa (makabuhay) using danio rerio (zebrafish)
Tinospora crispa (Makabuhay) is a controversial medicinal plant extensively used as a traditional remedy for various ailments due to its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. However, its potential toxicity in vivo remains underexplored. This study assessed the antioxidant activity, toxicity, and immunomodulatory effects of T. crispa stem extracts using Danio rerio (zebrafish). The Zebrafish Embryotoxicity (ZET) assay showed a dose- dependent response, with 1% and 5% concentrations inducing teratogenic effects such as tail malformation and growth retardation. General Morphology Score (GMS) assessment found significantly lower GMS in 1% than E3 and lower concentrations at 48 hpf (p \u3c .001). The 5% group had the most reduced GMS at 24 hpf (p \u3c .001), 48 hpf (p \u3c .001), and 72 hpf (p = .030 vs. E3, p \u3c .001 vs. paracetamol). Notably, no lethal effects were observed. Gene expression analysis using qRT-PCR indicated IFN-γ and CAT upregulation, suggesting immune activation and oxidative stress. A significant difference in IFN-γ expression was found among the different concentrations (p = .040). However, post hoc analysis showed no specific pairwise significance in IFN-γ (p \u3e .05) and CAT (p = .051). The DPPH assay demonstrated strong antioxidant activity (p \u3c .001), with no statistical difference at 0.076 mg/mL (p = .904). T. crispa exhibited an IC50 of 20.896 μg/mL, exceeding ascorbic acid (IC50: 40.401 μg/mL). Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 55 volatile compounds, with heptadecane (16.33%), pentadecane (11.41%), and 2- ethylhexyl salicylate (9.60%) as the major constituents. These findings provide valuable insights into the therapeutic potential and toxicological risks of T. crispa, underscoring the need for further research to elucidate its safety, bioactive compounds, and mechanisms of action before its medicinal use
In silico modeling of the interactions of the plasmodium falciparum resistance proteins PfCRT and PfMDR1 to selected antimalarial drugs
The persistent threat of malaria, caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, is significantly exacerbated by the rapid emergence and spread of drug resistance, particularly against artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). This study utilized in silico modeling to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying drug resistance, focusing on the impact of specific mutations in two crucial malaria-associated protein: Plasmodium falciparum Chloroquine Resistance Transporter (PfCRT) and Plasmodium falciparum Multidrug Resistance 1 (PfMDR1). PfCRT is a transmembrane protein in the parasite’s digestive vacuole that functions primarily as an efflux pump, removing certain drugs from the parasite\u27s digestive vacuole, which can lead to drug resistance; while PfMDR1 is also a transmembrane protein which acts as an influx pump and its mutations can reduce transported drugs into the digestive vacuole. By employing docking simulations, the study aimed to predict the binding affinities of six clinically relevant antimalarial drugs—artemisinin, artesunate, doxycycline, mefloquine, artemether, and lumefantrine—to both wild-type and mutant protein structures. The findings revealed notable variations in drug-protein interactions, providing insights into potential resistance mechanisms. The findings revealed that mutations in PfCRT (K76T and C101F) altered the predicted binding affinity of artemisinin derivatives, potentially contributing to artemisinin resistance. Notably, the consistently low predicted binding affinities observed for chloroquine across both wild-type and mutant PfCRT proteins may add insights into the established role of this gene in chloroquine resistance. For PfMDR1, the N86Y and Y184F mutations reduced the predicted binding of drug components in ACTs (lumefantrine, mefloquine, doxycycline, artesunate), suggesting possible roles in the mechanisms for resistance to these drugs. Additionally, the study found that these mutations may affect protein stability. This could further affect drug interactions and possibly contribute to antimalarial drug resistanc
Angiogenesis and invasion inhibition of Carmona retusa (tsaang gubat) leaf extract in small cell lung cancer (H69PR in ovo culture)
Lung cancer is the leading cause of mortality from cancer in the Philippines, however, it has been difficult to develop chemotherapeutic agents due to developed resistance to existing ones. Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels and is crucial for tumor growth and inhibiting it, termed antiangiogenesis, is a complementary treatment to cancer – now considered as the fourth modality. Carmona retusa is recognized by the Department of Health for its medicinal properties and previous studies where it showed antiangiogenic properties important for tumor suppression. This study was conducted to assess the antiangiogenic effects of C. retusa methanolic leaf extract to H69PR cell lines in ovo Duck Chorioallantoic Membrane Assay. The setups were composed of isotretinoin as positive control (PC) and C. retusa leaf extract in 5 mg/mL (TG5) and 10 mg/mL (TG10) concentrations. Immunohistochemical staining was used to assess tumor invasion, mitosis, necrosis (H&E); and microvascular density (desmin). Analysis of H&E sections showed squamous metaplasia in all treatment groups, and confirmed with chromogranin & synaptophysin stains. Tumor invasion was negative in TG10, while PC was negative for necrosis. Microvascular density (MVD) showed a decrease in average blood vessel formation in all treatment groups when compared to the negative control. To assess statistical significance of MVD, one-way ANOVA was performed and showed significant difference between treatment groups (p-value = 0.03), suggesting inhibition of angiogenesis in the PC, TG10, and TG5 groups. C. retusa leaf extract is as effective as the PC in inhibition of angiogenesis and at a higher concentration, may prevent tumor invasion, however, more investigation is needed
Pagawaan/Piitan: Konsepto at Rekonseptuwalisasyon ng Bartolina bilang Danas at Talinghaga sa Koleksiyong Makabayang Antolohiya ng Unyonista-Bilanggong Politikal na si Randy Bulan Vegas
Tampok sa papel na ito ang dalumat ng bartolina bilang konsepto at rekonseptuwalisasyon sa danas ng mga bilanggong politikal, sa partikular ang danas at talinghaga sa pagtula ng isang unyonista-bilanggong politikal na si Randy Bulan Vegas. Ipinook ang piling tula ni Vegas sa nagpapatuloy na tradisyon ng pag-akda sa piitan ng mga uring manggagawa sa kasaysayang Pilipino; maikling pagpapakilala sa poetika ng makata; bartolina bilang konsepto sa akda ng iba pang bilanggong politikal at manipestasyon nito sa danas at talinghaga ng binuong koleksiyon ni Vegas. Nais mag-ambag ng papel sa diskurso hinggil sa kalagayan ng paggawa sa bansa, panukalang modelo sa pagsipat ng akdang piitan bilang alternatibong panitikan at pagpapatuloy ng tradisyon ng makabayang paglikha ng uring manggagawa